Things to do in the garden in July

According to the Farmer’s Almanac, rainfall in July will be about the same as for June and temperatures will be higher than normal. Here are some garden “to do’s” for July.

1. Deadhead all spent blooms from annuals and perennials to promote blooming. For continued blooming, cut back any perennials that appear to be overgrown or appear to have stopped blooming, for example, Meadow Sage (May Night Salvia), Coreopsis, and Gaillardia.

2. Cut back any hanging baskets that have gotten wild or “leggy.” Giving a plant a good “haircut” promotes blooming just like deadheading.

3. Apply fertilizer at minimum every two weeks to all plants and containers. Tomatoes in particular are heavy feeders and need a good balanced fertilizer (10-10-10), while flowering plants can benefit from higher phosphorus content like 5-10-5 or even “bloom boosting” fertilizers of 10-52-10.

4. Continue to check the mulch around plants. Pull it away if it’s too wet or thick, but make sure you have a nice layer to keep plant roots cool during July’s hot temperatures.

5. Adjust stakes or cages of climbing plants (cucumbers, beans, sweet peas, etc.) and any tall perennials that need it, especially those that may have been beaten down by June’s heavy rains, e.g., Gladiolus, Shasta Daisies, etc.

6. Check tomatoes and adjust stakes or cages, if necessary. Regularly sucker, or pinch, any side shoots, and cut off leaves growing below the lowest ripening fruit for better air circulation.

7. Continue weeding, daily if possible. Weeds are literally jumping out of the ground with the June rains. Left unchecked, weeds compete for moisture and can even “crowd out” your vegetables and flowers.

8. Although July rains are expected to be on par with June, don’t assume your plants are getting enough moisture from the rain; check them, in particular your containers. Clay pots in particular dry out quickly. And, water in early morning, if possible. On very hot days, you may need to water containers twice a day.

9. If you grow Mums, continue pinching them back until mid-July.

10. Check all plants for insects and remove them. If necessary, treat with an organic insecticide. Slugs, in particular, will continue to be a problem in wet weather.

11. With all of this rain, check roses for black spot; remove and discard any fallen, diseased leaves. Treat if necessary.

12. Believe it or not, it’s time to start thinking about planting fall crops (mid to late July and into August). Plant quick growing cucumbers, beans, and summer quash for harvesting before frost.

13. Divide and replant (and share with friends) bearded iris.

14.Finally, pick your produce regularly. If you are gone for a week or more for vacation, ask a friend or neighbor to water and check your garden. Many vegetables really start to produce in July and having someone harvest, especially beans, zucchini, and tomatoes, will ensure that your plants continue to remain healthy and produce the rest of the growing season.